Hi here's some tips for you that I did when getting our Website live.
1. Put your URL everywhere.
These days, your URLor Uniform Resource Locator, also known as your Web site's addressis as important as your telephone number. Make sure people know where to find you online by including your URL on:
- Business cards, letterhead, envelopes, mailing labels
- Packaging, catalogs, statements, invoices
- Advertising, press releases, brochures, even shopping bags
Some businesses also print their URL on giveawayst-shirts, hats, bumper stickers, and pens. Clothing-maker Joe Boxer even weaves the company's URL into the waistband of its garments.
2. Add your business to search engines.
List your site in the major search engines, and take the time to index your site with keywords that accurately describe your business. One benefit of using an integrated e-business service, like
Bigstep.com, is that these services submit your site to search engines for you, based on your individual business needs.
A cautionary note: Not long ago, when there were just a few thousand Web sites, listing your business with search engines was enough to attract regular traffic. However, not anymore. With millions of Web sites, chances are your long-term customers won't come from the ranks of the curious Web surfer, but rather from your continuing efforts to promote your site.
3. Create an emailing list.
Add a form to your site so visitors can drop their name in your business's "digital fish bowl." Make them part of your mailing list and send them periodic email publicizing special offers, bargains, and new merchandise or services. A few caveats, however:
- Make it easy for people to "unsubscribe" from your mailing lists.
- Only send email when you have something valuable to offer or say.
- Keep the length of your emails to two screensless, if possibleand include links back to your Web site for more information. Keep in mind, many people skim email messages.
4. Purchase email lists.
Many vendors sell email lists, targeting a variety of audiences. Purchase a sample list, draft an appropriate email message, and give the audience an incentive to "click through" to your site. Then, based on the response rate, determine if the cost of acquiring that customer was worth the investment. These new customers can be added to your database for future communication.
People should never receive your email in an unsolicited fashion. Make sure they really want to hear from you. Work only with list vendors who provide "opt-in" mailing lists.
5. Create a regular e-newsletter.
It should be short, lively, and full of valuable information. Some content ideas include:
- Links to new content on your site
- Special offers on products and services and how to order
- Articles on any new products or services
- News on your business' recent accomplishments and other important happenings
- Bonus articles from relevant sites or publications
- Information on how to "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" to the newsletter
Providing an e-newsletter is an instant customer database builder. Moreover, integrated e-business services offer easy-to-use e-newsletter tools, creating them on your own is quick and straightforward.
6. Run fun contests or other promotions.
Contests can be as simple as asking people to fill in a form on your site with their name and email address so they can win a product or service in a random drawing. You can attract significant attention by running a promotion that is fun and promotes your products and services.
Before you organize any contest, check into the legal ramifications of publishing it on the Web. By putting your contest on the Web, you make it available to visitors worldwide, which may make your contest subject to certain laws.
7. Establish reciprocal links and banner exchanges with complementary sites.
Use search engines to find other Web sites that you think your site visitors would find valuable. Then, send email offering to link to those sites, and requesting that they link to you in exchange. You also might consider a banner exchange. Banner ads are the most frequently used advertising method on the Web. Most advertisers pay thousands of dollars to display a banner, but by becoming a member of an exchange, you can advertise at countless member Web sites without spending a cent.
Also don't bother with Google Adwords or such like, they really are a rip off for what they achieve. Also try a submit your Site to something like these guys:
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Marketing Firm & Placement Company They do work!
